Emergent Law
/ˈɪmərdʒənt lɔː/
Definitions
- (n.) A body of legal principles that arise spontaneously from social practices and norms rather than formal legislation or codified law.
Emergent law often guides conduct in new technological fields where statutes lag behind.
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Commentary
Emergent law highlights law's adaptive quality, often filling gaps left by formal legal systems; useful in contexts of legal pluralism and social normativity.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.